Condoms and safe sex

[Needhelpdoc]

Doc(s),

Just as a preface I am aware of the 2 question per 6 month policy, but I felt that I need to post my questions.

I know I just posted about my specific encounters that got me worried about hsv approx a month ago, however I have a preventive question regarding hsv and condom use that hopefully serve to some as a guideline. I am wondering if protected sex (condoms) is actually safe sex. I read a few articles and such information has gotten me concerned about if condoms actually work. I know condom use reduces chances of contracting hsv, but I have heard so many varying figures on exactly how much of a reduction condoms provide that it is quite confusing.

As a general guideline would you say in cases of correctly used condoms, is genital hsv contraction rare? Should I be worried about contracting hsv while engaging in vaginal sex even with correct condom use?

I can’t find that particular post but I believe Dr. HHH gave some figures regarding the chances of hsv contraction with a condom use.

I know safe sex means careful partner selection and consistent and effective use of condoms. I would like to start dating again and as a young male in his early 20’s, I would like to enjoy a satisfying but safe sex life. Can this be achieved with condom use?

Thank you so much for your help. I must admit that it seems that medical world is slightly confused on subject of std’s. It can be very frustrating when trying to find out information to help lead a healthy lifestyle. Your services are truly a blessing for those both in need of help and information.

Thanks again.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Glad to help.  EWH

[Needhelpdoc]

Dr. Hook,

Thank you very much for the information. I am much less confused and reassured that protected sex is, while not zero risk, very low risk for hsv.

As I have said and others before, both your and Dr. HHH's services are invaluable. Thanks again.  

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome back to our Forum.  You have clearly researched the topic you ask about and thus I think my job has more to do with providing you with a context for evaluating your risk than anything else.  

Background facts:
About 20% of American adults have HSV-2 and of these, most do not know it.   Thus there is a small chance that any sexual encounter with a person who has ever had sex before could be with an infected partner.   BUT, the chance of transmission at any single act of intercourse with an infected partner is less than 1 in 1,000 and, if the partner is asymptomatic, is probably less than 1 in 10,000 - this is a very small chance.  Further, condoms clear reduce the risk of getting herpes by 50-60% (this is a conservative estimate).  Putting all of these numbers together, the mathematical risk of getting HSV from sex with a new partner who does not know they have HSV is less than 1 in 100,000 and probably lower.

There is a theoretical chance of getting HSV from sexual contact with an area not protected by  a condom but that too is small as over 80% of HSV lesions occur in areas that are typically covered by condoms.

Thus, using these numbers, the risk of getting HSV from condom protected sex is very, very small and probably not something to worry about.  I realize you would like a precise answer but as indicated above, there are many, many variable influencing the risk. My suggestion is to take the sorts of precautions you have mentioned and not worry.  EWH